Cozy Apple Cider Donut Muffins
Soft apple cider muffins with warm spices and a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating, inspired by classic apple cider donuts.
Equipment
- 1 12-cup muffin pan
- 1 small saucepan for reducing the cider
- 1 mixing bowl medium
- 1 mixing bowl large
- 1 Whisk
- 1 cooling rack
- 1 pastry brush for butter coating
Ingredients
For the muffins
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cinnamon-sugar coating
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the batter
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease or line a 12-cup muffin pan.
- Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, Greek yogurt or sour cream, vanilla, and reduced cider, then whisk until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently just until no dry streaks remain.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
Bake and coat
- Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, until the tops spring back lightly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack while still warm.
- In a shallow bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
- Brush each warm muffin all over with melted butter, then roll or dip in the cinnamon sugar until coated.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Reduce the cider fully for the best apple flavor. Do not overmix the batter. Coat the muffins while warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks well. For make-ahead, bake the muffins in advance and coat them shortly before serving.